Norwich City fielded the oldest starting XI in the Championship during a recent victory over QPR, with only three players featuring under the age of 30. This has highlighted head coach Daniel Wagner’s preference for experience in his team selections, but it has not had the desired impact on their Championship campaign thus far. Stuart Knapper, the club’s head of recruitment, has acknowledged the need to reduce the average age of the squad, but also highlighted the challenges of doing so in the short term. Wagner and Knapper both acknowledge the importance of having a blend of experience and youth in the squad, but reducing the average age remains a priority for the club’s future success.
During the summer transfer window, Norwich City added seven players who are aged 30 or above, including the likes of Ashley Barnes, Shane Duffy, and Adam Forshaw. This has contributed to an aging squad, with 11 players over the age of 30 currently on the roster, seven of whom are contracted to the club beyond the end of the season. Despite the emphasis on experience in their recruitment, both Wagner and Knapper agree that the average age of the squad needs to be reduced in the future.
Wagner defended the club’s transfer activity, stating that each signing was made with specific reasons and needs in mind. He emphasized the importance of flexibility within the squad, indicating that experience does not necessarily equate to older players. While the club acknowledges the need to bring in younger talent, they stand by their recruitment decisions and will continue to prioritize a blend of experience and youth. Moving forward, Norwich City is likely to seek opportunities to lower the average age of the squad while maintaining a balance between younger and more experienced players.
In conclusion, Norwich City’s recent match against QPR highlighted the club’s reliance on experienced players, with 11 members of the squad currently aged 30 or above. While both Wagner and Knapper acknowledge the importance of reducing the average age of the squad, they also defend the club’s summer transfer activity, emphasizing the need for flexibility and specific needs in recruitment decisions. As Norwich City looks to the future, it is likely that they will seek opportunities to bring in younger talent while maintaining a blend of experienced players to achieve success in the Championship.
